With a fine forecast and a reasonable tide plans were made for a trip to the north coast. First up some deepwater fishing around highwater slack. With our baits 370ft below us we sat back and remarked on how calm and sunny it was for the time of year.The usual atlantic swell was non existant , as the boat gently rolled in the waves I noticed the tell tale bite of a doggie . This was the start of a procession of dogs that was unrelenting through the last of the flood and slack water period. As the boat swung round in the ebb tide a few of these turned up

After 8 spurs to 12lb the tide was starting to run and we sent our baits down for the last time on this mark. Fred managed one of these

I noticed a strange bite on my rod and lifted into it and the rod double over into a skate. I kept up the momentum and raised it 30 ft thinking it was a small one. Then it woke up a decided to go to the bottom. It was obvious it was a big one and with the tide starting to really pickup I had to tighten up the drag and go for it. After a lot of pulling and hauling it started to lift again and then it dived again and bent out the size 2/0 hook . It was probably the best thing as a few minutes later the anchor started to slip and it was time to move on. The rest of the day was in shallow water which produced more dogs, huss and a couple of pollock
Last edited by davy mccormick on Mon Feb 15, 2010 10:06 am, edited 1 time in total.